Local News

Big Isle Will Maintain GMO Registry, But Farms Not Identified

A judge is allowing Hawaii County to maintain a registry of genetically modified crops, but is preventing public disclosure of farmers' identities and specific farm locations. Hilo Circuit Court Judge Greg Nakamura granted a preliminary injunction Tuesday in response to papaya farmers who argued the Big Island's registry requirement would expose them to vandalism or theft of trade secrets. The registry is part of the county's ban on open-air planting and testing of GMO crops. Papaya farmers are exempt from the ban but were required to participate in the registry.